quilter43

Well, I let Winter out of his cage last night and he climbed to the top of his cage on the playstand. He had a great time up there. I was afraid to get him down because it is higher than my head. I called my friend who lives in my neighboorhood. He came over and took him right down. He told me that I have to be more assertive. I had no problem picking him up from my friend's hand. I know I will do better once we get to know each other. How lucky am I that I have a grey who is 14 years old and so well adjusted and who will go to anyone who wants to pick him up? when I get home tonight, I am going to let Winter out of his cage and have him step up onto my hand. Yes, I will. He is such a good boy. Anyway - a few questions from a first time parrot owner - He is eating pellets and dried fruits. I also hand him brocolli, carrots and pea pods. Is there anything that is a total no no to give a grey in the way of food? I hear birds like to get baths. How will I know if Winter would like this? Should I put him on his playstand and spray some water on him from a water bottle? Should I wait until we get to know each other better? I'm sure I will have more questions and I have been reading the threads. They are most helpul. Thank you my new friends! Sherry

Well - Since I just got Winter Yesterday, should I keep him locked in his cage for a few days with interaction or, can I open the door when I come home tonight to let him out - without trying to touch him?

That is really great information! Thanks!

Thanks for helping me. Winter is a he. He really is a very well-adjusted 14 year old! I bought some really good pellets - the name escapes me - supposed to be the best and dried fruit. I am offering him carrots, etc. to earn his trust. He has his own toys in a very large cage. He is quite funny because when I leave the room, he really talks alot! He also loves music and dances. I can't wait to get to know him.

Thanks for all the responses. The reason I took him is because he is such a good guy! The pet store workers love him and were happy to see him go to a good home. They were surprised he was so well adjusted being 14 years old and out of his environment. I guess I just have to understand the body language, etc. of a grey. I will look on this forum to find out what I can. Sincerely, Sherry

I know it is not Winter - it is me! Because my friends have no problem reaching into his cage and having him step up. I also undertand that they do use their beaks to stablize themselves. But, the one time I did ask him to step up while I was alone - he did bite me! Hard enough to hurt. He did not growl though.

Thanks for your help. I know that I have to be more assertive. I kind of bought him on a whim. I have always wanted one and a friend of mine has a young one. She always told me that if I do get one to get a baby. Well, she thought this guy (his name is Winter) was such a great bird and at such a great price that it would be a good idea to buy him. Please note the pet store owners and my friend and her boyfriend have no problem whatsoever picking him up. I know it is just me. When he puts his beak on my I jerk my hand away which I know I am not supposed to do so any other suggestions would be great!

Hi, Grey owners! My name is Sherry and I just purchased my first parrot - an African Grey! I found this beautiful bird at a local flea market. He is 14 years old and very friendly with anyone. A friend was with me who has a grey and is used to handling parrots. After we got him home and set up his cage (by the way - he cost $650 with his cage and bird stand, toys, etc. His parents split up and that is why they got rid of him). He is a very calm stable bird. My friends husband came over and the bird stepped right up on his finger. Ok - here is the problem. I am afraid to try to pick him up without anyone with me who knows what they are doing. After they left, I put my hand in his cage to pick him up and he put his beak around my finger and bit pretty hard. He is not cage agressive as everyone else was able to pick him up inside his cage. My friend told me to leave him inside his cage until Friday to let him acclimate. She will be over on Friday to help me. I also took a stick to have him step up on that and he didn't like it. My question is - how should I approach getting him acclimated and getting myself braver about handling him. He is a really great bird!